2018 St Croix Legend Tournament Bass

[WI_Angler1989]

Hi folks, 

 

Does anyone out there own a new and improved LTB? I'm curious what your feelings are on the balance of it. Obviously it's no secret the LTB series is tip heavy, although I've had great success with my own despite that. The new models say they're more balanced... are they? 

It would be great if they are! I like the rods in every regard, but I can definitely understand the heavy tip being annoying, especially with my style being bottom contact baits for river smallies. Holding an Elite or Xtreme is like it just disappears. No imbalances. Now to get that feeling in the "cheaper" LTB series... that's my dream.

[Loomis13]

I havent put a reel on one, but have messed around with them on a slow day in the shop and too me it depends on the model. Some I thought were still heavy, especially since they have been touted as not being heavier in the tip. Then on some models, I have thought they felt great. All this was done without a reel...something to keep in mind.

[WI_Angler1989]

That makes sense. Different rods will have such a variety of materials used in construction affecting balance. I really do like the LTB rods; But the higher end series have the same features, PLUS awesome balance. At the end of the day, it feels silly to have a 400$ rod at this point. Within my means, right? 

[badgerboyng]

I'm almost certain that the only thing they changed on the new LTBs is the handle. They've been upgraded to have the same handles as the Legend Elite rods, but the blanks are the exact same. Because of this, I wouldn't expect the balance to be drastically different on the new rods. I haven't handled any in person, though, so I can't say for certain. 

[Loomis13]

10 minutes ago, badgerboyng said:

I'm almost certain that the only thing they changed on the new LTBs is the handle. They've been upgraded to have the same handles as the Legend Elite rods, but the blanks are the exact same. Because of this, I wouldn't expect the balance to be drastically different on the new rods. I haven't handled any in person, though, so I can't say for certain. 

but wait! The guides are now satin instead of chrome haha. Not much changed, except the LTW have full cork now

[WI_Angler1989]

I got to handle some today actually. The balance does seem a little bit better. Still not on the level of the other, more balanced rods. The handlrs are a lot more comfortable though! I don't have any issues with my current LTB, but it's a lot nicer off the bat.

[Loomis13]

The handles are pretty slick! I like the look of them better too, not that that really matters though.

[WI_Angler1989]

8 hours ago, Loomis13 said:

The handles are pretty slick! I like the look of them better too, not that that really matters though.

 

It won't affect the function, but may as well like em! They are quite slick. Makes me wish companies did demo programs for rods like they do with reels.

[Chowderhead]

Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?

[WI_Angler1989]

10 minutes ago, Chowderhead said:

Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?

 

I dont have a link handy, but you're best bet is to google "2018 st croix legend tournament bass" and watch their brief video descriptions.

[FryDog62]

I’ve had 2 LTB’s in the past.  The imbalance finally got to me... one broke and I sold the other.  Returned the broken actually for an AxidX which is a better rod overall to me, although as plain-Jane as they come.  

[WI_Angler1989]

I like the Avids too. I've got 2 of the regular Avid series that I've had for a few years now and they're definitely great rods! I've never fished and X, though they look awesome.

[Loomis13]

1 hour ago, Chowderhead said:

Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?

Yeah, for whatever reason they are not online yet. Im not sure if Croix has a PDF of their 2018 catalog, but Im pretty sure the rods are in there. They are also making a Legend X, which is just like the Elite but has a split grip. The color is a little wonky on the Legend X though.

[WI_Angler1989]

St Croix seems to be lagging in the advertising department. Especially considering they're in stores already.

My local Wheels doesn't have any of the new Legend X rods yet sadly, but I know what you mean about the color @Loomis13. I'll reserve judgment till I see it in person, but it seems odd. The rod is stacked in their tech though so idk if color matters much haha. Can't wait to handle one tho. 

[Chowderhead]

7 hours ago, Loomis13 said:

Yeah, for whatever reason they are not online yet. Im not sure if Croix has a PDF of their 2018 catalog, but Im pretty sure the rods are in there. They are also making a Legend X, which is just like the Elite but has a split grip. The color is a little wonky on the Legend X though.

Thanks — I was able to find a pdf of the 2018 catalog. Now I need to decide how much I want to splurge on a new spinning rod. Aside from the light green color of the blank, I’m liking the Legend X.

[Turkey sandwich]

This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod.  Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.  

[badgerboyng]

9 hours ago, Chowderhead said:

Not seeing the new models on the St. Croix website. Anyone have a link to show what is new for 2018?

Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu

 

The factory doesn't have all of the rods ready yet, so that's why they're not on the website. They told me to call and check the availability of the specific model and if they have it in, they'll sell it over the phone. 

[A-Jay]

5 minutes ago, badgerboyng said:

Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu

 

That's Cool ~ Thanks 

A-Jay

[WI_Angler1989]

2 hours ago, Turkey sandwich said:

This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod.  Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.  

 

Truer words have never been spoken. What model LE do you have? I've thought about getting one of those as well, but my wallet won't cooperate..

[Loomis13]

3 hours ago, Turkey sandwich said:

This is how I end up spending money... I love my Legend Elite and they seem like they're essentially a split grip version of the same rod.  Now I want to buy stuff that I don't need.  

I haven't looked at them that closely, but I thought they were exactly the Elites but with a split grip. Feel me to tell me otherwise, because it would save me some research!

[Chowderhead]

4 hours ago, badgerboyng said:

Here's a link to the 2018 catalog: https://issuu.com/st.croixrod/docs/scr_cat2018_issuu

 

The factory doesn't have all of the rods ready yet, so that's why they're not on the website. They told me to call and check the availability of the specific model and if they have it in, they'll sell it over the phone. 

Perfect — thanks for the info. 

[Turkey sandwich]

6 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

 

Truer words have never been spoken. What model LE do you have? I've thought about getting one of those as well, but my wallet won't cooperate..

7' MH F casting. It is one fantastic jig rod.  They hooked me up after I snapped a tip on a Rage (my fault) for something like $150.  I wanted a LTB, but they didn't have it in stock, and they substituted it and discounted it for me.  Their customer service is absolutely second to none.  

 

In comparison - I own a Feelfree Lure.  They sent me a rudder kit that was missing half of the hardware, and had TONS of hardware that wasn't even intended for my kayak (it's a secondary manufacturer that makes their rudder kits and they have no direct oversight).  It took 4-5 months of going back and forth between me asking them to send me a hardware kit because I couldn't tell them exactly which pieces were missing (because the kit didn't come with so much as an inventory list).  Well, it took posting a complaint on the Feelfree owner's Facebook group for them to eventually say "send us the whole kit and we'll send you a new one".  They bashed me on the page, despite being respectful, and banned me from the group for complaining about their customer service.  

 

While I generally like my Lure, I will never buy another boat from Feelfree, but I will buy rods from St. Croix for as long as I'm able to get on the water.  

[WI_Angler1989]

Spunds like quite the tedious situation, @Turkey sandwich. I can understand why you'd want to avoid that scenario again. Regardless of how you like the product. I've always heard St Croix has fantastic customer service, but I've never had to deal woth it yet. I've been fairly lucky woth not damaging rods and such (knock on wood!!) 

I'm going up to the factory this spring with a buddy, maybe ill score a quality Eliye in the factory seconds stock! Other than that I cannot afford one hahaha. Yet. 

[Turkey sandwich]

8 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

Spunds like quite the tedious situation, @Turkey sandwich. I can understand why you'd want to avoid that scenario again. Regardless of how you like the product. I've always heard St Croix has fantastic customer service, but I've never had to deal woth it yet. I've been fairly lucky woth not damaging rods and such (knock on wood!!) 

I'm going up to the factory this spring with a buddy, maybe ill score a quality Eliye in the factory seconds stock! Other than that I cannot afford one hahaha. Yet. 

St. Croix is phenomenal on the customer service end. Feelfree just kept responding to emails telling me how good their customer service was, while absolutely sucking at actually solving problems.  

 

As for getting good stuff on the cheap, I've heard that they sometimes have great deals at their factory, but if you check out their bargain bin, sometimes you'll find some pretty killer gear discounted like crazy.

[tracker01]

Good thread. I’m looking a couple my self.